Rourkela: A juvenile offender allegedly attempted suicide by consuming phenyl at the government-run ‘Place of Safety’ located on the premises of the Special Jail in Odisha’s Rourkela on Saturday.
The 17-year-old, who hails from Balangir district, was immediately rushed to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH), where his condition is reported to be critical.
The exact reason behind the extreme step taken by the minor is yet to be ascertained. Officials of the correction centre and police have launched an inquiry into the incident.
Sources said the Place of Safety operates under the Department of Women and Child Development and houses juveniles who are accused or convicted of serious crimes. The facility, located in Rourkela, is intended to provide counselling, education, and rehabilitation for these inmates.
It was claimed that tension has been simmering inside the correction centre for quite some time. Inmates had earlier clashed among themselves, and in one incident, parts of the dormitory were reportedly set on fire during a protest.
In June this year, another juvenile from Ganjam district had also been hospitalised after consuming phenyl at the same centre.
Similar incidents taking place frequently have raised serious concerns over the security measures and well-being of inmates at the Place of Safety.
